What would Fed have to do to persuade them that he's the GOAT? It seems to me that they want to rig the argument against the guy:

Federer loses ---> Proof that he sucks

Federer wins easily ---> Proof of a weak era, he sucks

Federer wins after a struggle ---> Lucky, the Slam fell into his lap, he sucks

Let's look at his career.

- When he was barely out of nappies he beat Sampras at Wimbledon and bagelled Agassi.

- He then easily crushed his own era, destroying the careers of Roddick and Hewitt (the latter having dominated Sampras).

- Now he's breezing past guys much younger than him.

So we seem to be talking about THREE "weak eras" here, not just one.

Yes, he's had a few problems with Nadal. Well, quite a lot of problems actually. But who's perfect? Not Nadal himself, who always loses to the same players who get dominated by Fed. And not dull ballbasher Sampras either.

So the question is: What does Federer have to do for you guys to stop hating on his achievements?

Federer has played against 3 different generations (if you can call them that) and killed them all. Nothing will ever satisfy the haters. If Sampras had been a GOAT Becker, Agassi and whoever else played in the 90's would have won far fewer slams but because his only talent was serving and volleying that was never going to happen. Sampras fans are beyond pathetic. Jealousy is a disease.

Now taking out a fit Nadal in RG would be a bonus for him, but not really essential anymore. He can be greater, he hasn't been 100% perfect, because no one is. But the discussion wether there is someone in the Open Era with greater achievements is dead months ago, I think. And comparing him to Rosewall, Laver or Gonzalez is silly.

The inhabitants of the Balearic Islands are said to have been the inventors of slings, and to have managed them with surprising dexterity, owing to the manner of bringing up their children. The children were not allowed to have their food by their mothers till they had first struck it with their sling.
~Vegetius, De Re Militari, late 4th century

Nadal: the last Balearic Slinger, the ultimate product of natural selection. Feel the weight of the centuries in the Topspin from Hell!

As someone said - it must really, really suck following tennis and being a Fed hater. Especially when he hits a patch of bad form and gets your hopes up that he's done - but then, oh no, he's back again winning yet more Slams. I suppose you have the consolation that it can't go on forever.

__________________
Federer - Emperor of the Slams, King of Hard, Lord of the Australian Open, Lord of Wimbledon.

Sunset of AgeShe's MY Miss MTFSweet, Sassy, Sophisticated

"Love has nothing to do with what you're expecting to get, only what you're expecting to give - which is everything. What you receive in return varies, but that really has no connection with why you give. You give because you love and cannot help giving." - K. Hepburn.

Federer, even in the eyes of someone like myself who feels he's a bullying ego maniac, cannot deny: Federer is BY FAR the best player of all time...achievement-wise. When ranking the top players of all time, there are many factors and things to consider, but after all is said and done: Federer is #1. Case closed.

What would satisfy me would be humility and not resorting to gamesmanship and cheating toward the end of his amazing career.

__________________Thanks for the gutsy run, Phillies!!! World Series Champs...2010!!!

Roland Garros 2010: THE RETURN OF THE KING

Quote:

"If going to the ledge so often, both mentally and physically, shaves a couple years off of Rafael Nadal's career, so be it. Because of him, and because of his performances in matches like this, we've gotten to see just how far the sport can push a man"